Kelly Reynolds, second-grade teacher at Sanford Elementary
Walk into Kelly Reynolds’ second-grade classroom at Sanford Elementary and you’ll discover young students who are attentive to what is being written on the chalkboard with hardly a sound or wiggle in a chair.
So focused that a group of college faculty can walk into the classroom without notice to surprise their teacher with a special award for her work, just as Curtis Garcia and faculty from the Adams State School of Education did .
“We stress every single day, ‘How are we expected to act? What should our classroom look like to be a safe and fun place to learn?’ And so rules and routine, we are very consistent and we go over those constantly,” says Reynolds, who this week was presented with the Adams State Educator Highlight Award for her work with Sanford second-graders.
Reynolds is 18 years into her teaching career at Sanford. Her peers, like Mandy Mortensen, talk about how “she is a positive light to an often dreary and lonely profession. She is always there to cheer you on and encourage my crazy ideas. She is a friend to all and makes teaching students fun.”
“We had a student,” recalled Mortensen, “who would go home to no food on the weekend. Mrs. Reynolds made sure this little girl had a ‘weekend bag’ every Thursday that was full of food so that she wouldn’t go hungry. This is just one example of her thoughtfulness.”
Others are struck by her compassion and incredible patience and kindness.
“I’d like to share a heartwarming memory of how Kelly went above and beyond to support a new student who was having a difficult time adjusting. This student came from a challenging home life and often seemed withdrawn and upset,” wrote Alia Guerrero in her nomination for Reynolds to receive the Educator Highlight Award.
“From the moment the student joined the class, Kelly noticed his struggle. Instead of just focusing on academics, she took the time to get to know him personally. One day, after noticing how the student was disengaging and refusing to work she spoke with him at his level. She sat with him, engaging him in conversation and encouraging him to share what was bothering him.
“As the weeks went by, Kelly made it a point to check in with the student regularly. She would kneel down to his level, truly listening to him as he opened up about his feelings and experiences. Kelly created a safe space for him, validating his emotions and reassuring him that it was okay to feel how he felt.”
Reynolds also has taught fourth and fifth grades at Sanford, but says teaching second grade is her favorite.
“I love teaching at this school,” she says. “It’s all about family and community and making sure that every child succeeds. I feel like home when I come here and it’s just the best place to be.” She felt the same about Adams State when she enrolled there coming out of Arvada. “I chose to go to Adams because I already knew I wanted to be a teacher. Adams had a ton of people going there for education, and so I knew it was a good school for becoming a teacher.”
Adams State is in its third academic year recognizing teachers and school staff from around the San Luis Valley with its Educator Highlight Award. Nominate an educator.
“Being an educator to me means that every child feels safe and successful and is able to learn at school,” said Reynolds upon receiving the award.
PAST EHA WINNERS
Presley Garcia, Monte Vista special education teacher
Nick Dionisio, Alamosa High English teacher
Aaron Miltenberger, Boys & Girls Club executive director
Anna Bishop, Center High School CLD teacher
Phyllis Vigil, Sierra Grande first-grade teacher
AlexAndria Moore-Guenter, Moffat Schools secondary counselor
Omar Gonzalez, Alamosa Elementary visual art and music teacher
Leanna Brazel, Alamosa Elementary kindergarten teacher
Freddy Lawrence, Alamosa Elementary custodian
Joe Guenther, South Conejos School District
Katie Turner, Del Norte math teacher
Edwin Mondragon, Monte Vista High School agriculture teacher
Aaron Williams, GOAL High School English teacher
Miriam Baines, Alamosa High School biology and math teacher
Rachel Kellum, Moffat Schools art teacher
Darlene Pinales, Sargent School District, food service staff member
Upward Bound summer faculty, Adams State University
Erika Henderson, chemistry teacher Alamosa High School
Jay Sarason, aviation teacher, Sargent High School
Domingo Estrada, director, Semillas de la Tierra
Lisa Lucero, preschool teacher, Moffat School District
Scott Honeycutt, ASD’s transportation director and chief safety officer
Annette Sisneros, fifth-grade teacher, Alamosa Elementary
Taylor Hubbard, K-12 art teacher, Centennial School District
Lauren McKinney, science teacher, Sangre de Cristo Schools
Amanda Stagner, business teacher, Alamosa High School
College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) staff, Adams State University
Student Support Services, Adams State University
ABOUT THE EDUCATOR HIGHLIGHT AWARD:
This monthly award recognizes Adams State University School of Education alumni, prominent local teachers, and other educators working within or hailing from the San Luis Valley. In so doing, Adams State University hopes to build familiarity with the community as a serious destination for future educators. Nominate an educator.